Indigenous-Led Hunting Proven Effective Against Deer Overpopulation

A recent study led by the University of British Columbia (UBC) in collaboration with the Coast Salish Nations has identified Indigenous-led hunting as the most effective strategy for managing the overpopulation of black-tailed deer on the Southern Gulf Islands. Published on November 21, 2025, in the journal People and Nature, the research highlights the urgent need to address ecological degradation caused by these hyperabundant deer.

The black-tailed deer population on the Southern Gulf Islands has surged to levels estimated to be up to 10 times higher than a century ago. This explosive growth is attributed to a combination of human-induced landscape changes, reduced hunting opportunities, and the absence of natural predators. As deer numbers rise, they overbrowse vegetation, severely impacting forest regeneration, reducing biodiversity, and disrupting cultural connections to the land, according to lead researcher Dr. Tara Martin from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry.

“For most people, these islands look beautiful and natural, but they are entirely degraded,” Dr. Martin stated. The consequences of this unchecked population growth are particularly alarming for ecosystems like the Garry Oak meadow, one of British Columbia’s most endangered environments, which is at risk of irreversible damage due to overgrazing.

Complexity of Deer Management

The study underscores the complexities involved in developing deer management strategies that not only tackle overpopulation but also cater to the well-being of local communities. Sofie McComb, a doctoral student and lead author of the study, emphasized the need for a balanced approach that integrates various values and goals. “This study offers a roadmap to help unpack complicated problems where many values and goals compete, often leading to decision paralysis and inaction.”

The research team, working closely with local land stewards and Indigenous knowledge holders, evaluated multiple strategies, including Indigenous-led hunting, improving predator viability, employing deer reduction specialists, using birth control, and increasing licensed hunting. Among these, Indigenous-led hunting emerged as the only viable solution that effectively maximizes both ecological and cultural benefits. The findings suggest that this approach could boost human and ecological well-being by nearly 60 percent compared to the current management practices.

While strategies such as increasing licensed hunting were considered cost-effective from a Western scientific perspective, they were less likely to yield meaningful long-term ecological benefits. The study revealed that these alternatives had a less than 30 percent likelihood of success.

Consequences of Inaction

Experts warn that maintaining the status quo will not improve ecosystem health and could exacerbate the ongoing crisis. “If we don’t do something soon, the ecosystems will not be recoverable, because there will be nothing left,” McComb cautioned. She pointed out that inaction is effectively a choice, and the consequences are dire not only for the ecosystems but also for the deer themselves, which are resorting to consuming less nutritious food sources due to overgrazing.

This research provides a comprehensive framework for communities globally facing similar challenges with hyperabundant herbivores. By incorporating diverse knowledge systems and weighing the feasibility and costs alongside ecological and cultural benefits, decision-makers can work towards sustainable recovery strategies.

Dr. Martin concluded, “It’s possible to find solutions to complex environmental issues that are good for people, the land, and the deer. This work shows that restoring cultural sovereignty and ecosystem health can go hand in hand.”

The study, titled “Decision analysis rooted in Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge identifies cost-effective strategies for managing hyperabundant deer to restore keystone places,” offers a significant contribution to wildlife management discourse and highlights the potential for collaborative approaches in addressing ecological crises.